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In India’s long and vibrant civilizational journey, the tribal community has always been a pillar of cultural strength and social identity. Yet, after independence, decades of neglect and exclusion pushed this dynamic section of society away from the mainstream of development. The tide began to turn under the leadership of the late former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who took the first decisive step toward inclusive tribal progress by establishing the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Building on that foundation, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given this vision new energy and direction—shaping a holistic model of national development where tribal communities living in forests and remote regions are not only part of India’s growth story but are emerging as its true driving force and new torchbearers of change.
Honouring the legacy and contribution of tribal icons, Prime Minister Shri Modi declared the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda—a revered symbol of tribal pride—as Janjatiya Gourav Diwas, marking a historic recognition of tribal identity and heritage
Honouring the legacy and contribution of tribal icons, Prime Minister Shri Modi declared the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda—a revered symbol of tribal pride—as Janjatiya Gourav Diwas, marking a historic recognition of tribal identity and heritage.
The election of Smt. Draupadi Murmu, a proud daughter of the tribal community, as the President of India stands as a living testament to this vision of empowerment and inclusion that the BJP and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have championed.
Right from his first address in the Central Hall, Prime Minister Shri Modi made it clear that his government would work with full dedication for the upliftment of the poor, the deprived, and the tribal communities. That promise today is visible on the ground—in the rising social, economic, and educational progress of tribal society across India, especially in Chhattisgarh, where nearly 31 percent of the population belongs to the tribal community. Guided by the philosophy of Antyodaya—the upliftment of the last person—Chhattisgarh’s governance model places tribal welfare at the very heart of its development journey.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi, transformative schemes like the PM Janman Yojana and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan are accelerating holistic development for in tribal areas, ensuring access to education, healthcare, employment, and essential services. Under the PM Janman Yojana, around 59,758 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) families across 2,160 settlements in 2,121 villages spanning 18 districts of Chhattisgarh have been benefited. Out of the 4,781 km of roads approved nationwide, 2,449 km are being built in Chhattisgarh, connecting tribal regions to opportunity. Similarly, the Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Upliftment Campaign is benefiting 6,691 tribal-dominated villages across 32 districts, positioning Chhattisgarh at the forefront of inclusive governance. The state also secured the first rank in the country in the Aadi Karmayogi Campaign, with benefits reaching tribal households through 1.33 lakh volunteers working in 6,650 villages across 128 development blocks—a powerful symbol of participatory governance and self-reliance.
To strengthen the institutional framework for tribal progress, the Bastar, Surguja, Central Region Tribal Development, Scheduled Caste Development, and Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Classes Development Authorities have been reorganized, ensuring stronger public representation and more effective local decision-making.
As Chhattisgarh celebrates its silver jubilee year, the state received the honor of having Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurate the festivities. During his visit, he dedicated the Martyr Veer Narayan Singh Memorial-cum-Museum at the Tribal Research and Training Institute in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, a tribute to Chhattisgarh’s tribal freedom fighters. The museum stands as a living bridge connecting future generations to the legacy of valor, pride, and culture that defines the state’s tribal identity.
Empowerment is being translated into tangible benefits. The remuneration for tendu leaf collectors has been raised from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,500 per standard bag, benefiting 13 lakh families engaged in collection work. The Charan Paduka Yojana has been revived, providing essential support to forest dwellers. The Tribal Youth Hostel in New Delhi now offers 185 seats, up from 50, to help candidates from Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Other Backward Classes prepare for UPSC examinations—more than tripling the opportunities for aspiring youth. Additionally, members of the Baiga and Gunia communities receive an annual honorarium of Rs 5,000 each, and initiatives like the Akhara Nirman Vikas Yojana are nurturing cultural pride and fitness in tribal villages. Statues of tribal freedom fighters and martyrs are also being installed as enduring symbols of courage and heritage.
Decades of Maoist insurgency had once obstructed progress across large parts of Chhattisgarh, causing immense suffering to tribal populations. Today, under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the nation is witnessing freedom from this shadow of violence. Through initiatives like the Niyyad Nella Naar scheme, development is reaching even the remotest corners. In Bastar, events like the Bastar Pandum and the Bastar Olympics have provided a platform for tribal talent, showcasing their skills, sportsmanship, and creativity to the world.
Chhattisgarh is now firmly moving on the path of becoming a developed state, in alignment with the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat. The tribal community will be at the forefront of this journey, carrying forward their rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and sustainable lifestyles that are deeply connected with nature. These values are not just cultural treasures—they are the foundation of an inclusive and environmentally conscious model of progress that will define both the future of Chhattisgarh and the spirit of a developed India.
From preserving heritage to shaping new leadership, Chhattisgarh’s tribal renaissance is redefining India’s growth story.
(The Writer is the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh)